Student athletes offering local kids some virtual play tips

April 28, 2020

Heartland Community College athletics programs have been restricted from competition and practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, this restriction has not stopped Hawk student athletes from staying engaged with the community.

Heartland athletes are teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington-Normal through social media to help local youth stay active while schools and recreation facilities are closed.

“Coaches from our athletics programs reached out to the Boys and Girls Club to see what needs they might have during the shelter-in-place order,” said Heartland Volleyball Head Coach Mary Frahm. “That’s when they made us aware of the Virtual Club Experience they have started in light of the COVID shut downs. When we opened this up to the athletics department all coaches and teams wanted to be involved.”

The Virtual Club Experience provides an outlet for BGA club members to keep active and involved while schools aren’t in regular session. Athletes from the Hawks Baseball, Softball, Soccer, and Volleyball teams have all created short two-minute videos of a player teaching a skill in their respective sport to share with the Boys and Girls Club. All of these videos were filmed and edited by student athletes.

“I am very proud to serve alongside athletes and coaches that think of others before themselves, especially after losing a season they worked so hard for," said Athletics Director Ryan Knox. “If challenges reveal character, our coaches and athletes can teach us all what that looks like.”